2016 FORD GT MUSTANG 5.0 CONVERTIBLE

Yes after 50 plus years and over nine (9) million Mustangs sold according to Ford Motor PR department I see nothing but higher sales. I love the 500GT Convertible it has the long front end we all know well. It has kept the roar of the Mustang. That sound is important to consumers and to Ford.  One European journalist  stated that the V8 really wins out is with its timeless, filthy eight-cylinder soundtrack. Most of the time it’s a soft but menacing wub-wub.  Hit the pedal to the metal and it and  the wub-wub roar explodes.

I wish the quality of some of the interior would step up a notch. The price of the Mustang is high. Demand is high  and in the market today it is hard to find a Coupe or Convertible. The model I drove come in under $50,000 dollars. Look at the photos and you will see the amazing Mustang as I do through my lens. 

The rear wheel drive has improved and a superb suspension makes the drive a treat. More than that the power to the paddle puts a smile on your face.  Ford states 4.6 seconds to 60 MPH. The five (5) liter V8 delivers 420 horses and 390 foot pounds of torque.

On the highway the Pony moves well at all speeds. In the smaller mountain ranges I traversed the suspension and handling was terrific.  If you love Mustang GT 500’s you will not complain.  Sure the Nissan 370Z, Audi TT, Audi A5 Cabrio, BMW’s cabrio plus Mercedes and exceptional on the same drive and those owners will not want to discuss Mustang, Challenger, or the advances the Camero have made.

The top on the Mustang GT 500 convertible fit well and to raise or lower it was fast and simple. Trunk space is excellent and it holds a lot more than previous models. Ford states the trunk holds two sets of golf clubs? What size golf bags I wonder.

I like the improvements on the interior. Other journalist complaint the seats are not up to par!  They don’t like the steering wheel. Improvements over the years I have seen. True Mustang owners will continue to buy the Pony car.

The Mustang has added upgraded infotainment system including their Synch 3 and Conversational  Voice Recognition and smartphone-like touch screen.

Convertible competition could be the Nissan 370Z  Cabrio, Audi TT Cabrio, Chevy Camaro 2LT convertible,  Audi  A5 Cabrio, Mercedes SLK, and the BMW  4 series convertible.  The Dodge Challenger is a bargain and has superb features as does the Camaro  2 LT Convertible. The Camaro is $35,000 plus for the V6. Get serious price is nearly $20.00 less than the Mustang Convertible? The Challenger V8 convertible starts at $31,000- a deal and I love this car!

THE ENGINE IS WHAT MAKES THE 5.0!

NOT MUCH ROOM IN THE REAR! THE LEATHER INTERIOR IS A PLUS.

NO SPARE TIRE BUT YOU CAN ORDER ONE.

Convertible competition could be the Nissan 370Z  Cabrio, Audi TT Cabrio, Chevy Camaro 2LT convertible,  Audi  A5 Cabrio, Mercedes SLK, and the BMW  4 series convertible.  The Dodge Challenger is a bargain and has superb features as does the Camaro  2 LT Convertible. The Camaro is $35,000 plus for the V6. Get serious price is nearly $20.00 less than the Mustang Convertible? The Challenger V8 convertible starts at $31,000- a deal and I love this car!

Fifty years ago, Ford Motor Company, Shelby American and Hertz teamed up to introduce the 1966 Shelby GT350-H – kicking off what was known then as the Hertz “Rent-A-Racer” program. To celebrate 50 years of the famed Shelby GT350-H “Rent-A-Racer,” the three iconic brands have partnered again to create a special run of performance-modified 2016 Shelby GT-H vehicles. Beginning this summer, a limited number of 2016 Shelby GT-H vehicles will be available for rent exclusively through the Hertz Adrenaline Collection at select U.S. airport locations.

Each Shelby GT-H wears black exterior paint, set off with gold racing stripes, a hallmark of the Hertz brand dating back to the 1920s.

Shelby’s traditional "Le Mans" dual racing stripes are combined with a set of rocker stripes that include special "Shelby GT-H" nomenclature.

Each car sports a Hertz Edition emblem on the front fenders, and features Hertz Shelby GT-H sill plates and a numbered badge.

Special badges appear in the front grille, rear faux gas cap and trunk lid. Inside, Shelby GT-H logos are on the head restraint, sill plates and floor mats.

To hint at the 5.0 liter V8 engine’s capabilities, the Ford Shelby GT-H is fitted with a unique Shelby-designed vented hood, carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler.

·       Ford Performance cat-back performance exhaust for that throaty sound that makes this car unmistakably a Shelby Mustang GT-H.

·       To put all of the horsepower to the ground, the Ford Shelby GT-H also comes with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, including special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a staggered wheel kit.

·       The Shelby GT-H rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels wearing high performance Michelin rubber.

Another first for Ford is that the Mustang models will be available in Asia and Europe.

UK buyers have a choice of two engines: the V8 or a  2.3 liter EcoBoost 2.3-litre four  cylinder (310bhp, 320lb ft and 35.3mpg). The latter’s undoubtedly the more practical option, capable of going almost twice as far on each gallon than the eight, and the performance sacrifice isn’t as grave as you might think: a second on the 0-62mph sprint (5.8sec against the V8’s 4.8) and 10mph at the top end (145mph versus 155mph).  In the UK and Europe the EcoBoost the audience does not like. They feel the Mustang must be delivered with a V8 or at least a V6.

I do not have details on how the Mustang’s will be delivered to Asia at this time.

I cannot wait to I get the opportunity to drive the Mustang  500 GT Convertible or the Shelby to do a more in depth review with out staff.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

JB WELKER

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

2017 BENTLEY SPECIAL BLACK EDITIONS

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Bentley Motors unveiled the most powerful Bentley vehicles ever offered for sale here this week during an exclusive event in New York City. These four revised models to the Bentley Continental line up are the 2017 model year GT Speed, GT Speed Convertible, the GT Speed Black Edition and the GT Speed Convertible Black Edition.

These GT Speed models can reach a top speed of 206 mph. The vehicle is propelled by the iconic 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The W12 produces 642 PS, up from 635 PS, while twisting force is raised to 840 Nm, a 20 Nm increase. Continuous maximum torque delivery is available from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The GT Speed is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs).

Bentley dealers across the US are taking orders now with deliveries beginning this summer. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for the GT Speed models starts at $240,300, including/not including destination, taxes, etc. MSRP for each model is:

• GT Speed: $240,300
• GT Speed Black Edition: $253,235
• GT Speed Convertible: $264,300
• GT Speed Convertible: Black Edition: $277,235

THESE VEHICLES ARE SO BEAUTIFUL (AS ARE ALL BENTLEYS) I ONLY DREAM OF A TEST DRIVE AS I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH IN 2016 TO EXPERIENCE.  IF YOU RECALL THE W12 HAS BEEN IN OTHER VOLKSWAGEN MODELS PREVIOUSLY.

EVERY YEAR VW AND AUDI, BENTLEY ENGINEERS ONLY IMPROVE THE PREVIOUS ENGINES AND MODELS.  GERMAN ENGINEERING IS HARD TO BEAT.

I LOVE “BENTLEY” AND ESPECIALLY THE DROP TOP!

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

JB WELKER

BONNIE LYNCH

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BEST DRIVES IN NORTH AMERICA

2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

The updated 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport enters the new model year with a revamped exterior and a number of interior improvements. Most noticeably, the exterior receives Mitsubishi's new "Dynamic Shield" front design concept. New 18-inch alloy wheel design, lip wheel moldings and power folding side door mirrors with turn indicator lamps contribute to the sleek new design.

 

Interior appeal is bolstered with a new steering wheel, new interior seat fabrics, improved 6.1" Display Audio System and new auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®.  

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes equipped with the following standard features:

•  
• New panel design for air conditioning
• Soft-touch instrument panel trim
• 4 speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• 60/40 split folding and reclining high-back rear seats with armrest and cup holder
• Remote keyless entry with panic feature
• Color LCD multi-information display
• High contrast meters
• Fuse System
• Rear privacy glass
• Power windows with driver's one-touch up/down

The more powerful 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine is available in all 2016 Outlander Sport models, and comes standard with the SE, SEL and GT trim levels. Also available in each trim level is Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) System. The continuously-variable transmission (CVT) provides better response, performance and improved fuel economy to keep the Outlander Sport performing at its high standards with optimal fuel economy ratings.

Aside from the powertrain performance, the 2016 model year keeps its aerodynamic, low-drag body design that supports the Outlander Sport's fuel efficiency. Electric Power Steering (EPS) and front and rear suspension system further adds to the CUV's high performance level.  

 

The 2016 Outlander Sport comes equipped with Mitsubishi's exemplary safety standards including seven (7) air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) comprised of dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver's knee air bag; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL). Outlander Sport models are equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. 

Additional safety features include anti-theft security alarm system and an anti-theft engine immobilizer. Mitsubishi's renowned high-tech Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) impact-absorbing safety cell technology allows the front and rear body of the vehicle to absorb the impact of collision efficiently to keep the cabin in tact and safe.     

Exterior

• New "Dynamic Shield" front design concept
• New wheel lip moldings
• Heated side mirrors with LED indicator
• New 18-inch alloy wheel design
• Colors: Labrador Black, Octane Blue, Mercury Gray, Quartz Brown, Cool Silver, Rally Red and Diamond White Pearl

Mitsubishi's  powertrain and new vehicle warranty the Outlander Sport proves a safe bet: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 5-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance program.

REPORTED FROM PRESS MATERIALS AND  OUR BRIEF  VIEWING OF THE 2016 OUTLANDER SPORT.  MORE DATA WILL BE ADDED AFTER A WEEK LONG EVALUATION IS COMPLETED.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BRADLEY HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

JB WELKER

2016 NISSAN TITAN XD

THE NISSAN TITAN XD was named"Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in their annual 2015 Texas Truck Rodeo, which puts the industry's best trucks, SUVs and CUVs through a grueling two-day evaluation at the historic Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas. In addition to the competition's top award, Truck of Texas, the new TITAN XD won three other honors – Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas, Off-Road Pickup Truck of Texas and Best Powertrain for its available Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

The TITAN XD's long list of innovative available technologies include an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights. Assisting trailer hook-ups is a RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides. TITAN XD also offers an available Around View® Monitor (AVM), which provides a unique "bird's eye" view of the surrounding area to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system includes Moving Object Detection (MOD). Two trailer hitches are available, including an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed.

The 2016 Nissan Titan XD is an all-new full-size truck that has more robust capabilities than the standard Nissan Titan, which was also redesigned for 2016. The Titan XD was never designed to compete  with the heavy-duty trucks from Ford, GM and Ram.

The Nissan Titan XD crew-cab diesel pickup with tow ratings that range from 12,314 pounds for the S 4x2 work truck to 10,608 pounds for a decked-out Platinum Reserve 4x4. A nicely equipped Pro-4X 4x4 can pull 11,784 pounds. Not as expensive as the larger 2500 models offered by Ford, GM, Checy, and RAM.

The Titan XD well above a truck like the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which has tow ratings that range between 7,540 to 8,870 pounds, and top heavy-duty trucks that can pull up to 17,000 pounds.

This V8 design is a full 11 inches shorter (front to back) and 500 pounds lighter than the Cummins 6.7-liter straight-6 turbodiesel that powers the current Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups.

A pair of turbochargers nestles within the Vee between dual overhead-cam cylinder heads, but this is neither a twin-turbo nor a compound turbo setup. A smaller turbo bolsters low-rpm output and a larger turbo handles higher revs. Both share an odd pretzel-like housing with an electronically controlled intake air distribution valve that feeds one, the other or a variable blend of both to deliver a fat wallop of torque across the entire operating range.

The resulting 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque places the 5.0 V8 midway between today's Ram 1500 (240 hp/420 lb-ft) and 2500 diesel (370 hp/800 lb-ft) engines. This new Cummins squarely hits the vacated heavy-duty target Nissan wanted with the XD.

The TITAN XD is offered in five grade levels: S, SV, SL, Platinum Reserve and the sporty PRO-4X grade with standard off-road features such as 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain off-road tires, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. The TITAN XD Platinum Reserve grade features premium leather-appointed heated seating, dark chrome exterior trim, two-tone paint treatment, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood insert, 20-inch dark chrome aluminum-alloy wheels and much more.

A new 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine, assembled in Decherd, Tennessee, will be available in the all-new TITAN and TITAN XD full-size pickup trucks. The engine features four-valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Event & Lift and Direct Injection, and is rated at 390 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.

The gasoline-powered engine joins the Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel to round out the engine offerings for the all-new Nissan XD full-size pickup, which stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries. The bold new design combines the capabilities of a heavy-duty hauler with the drivability and affordability of a light-duty pickup.

"With this new engine, Nissan TITAN XD customers will have the opportunity to make the choice that is best for their towing and hauling needs – either the all-new Endurance V8 or the Cummins® diesel – two offerings that you won't find on any other truck on the market today," said Rich Miller, chief product specialist, TITAN, Nissan North America, Inc. "It's going to be a tough decision for TITAN XD customers between these two very durable, capable engines."

While the new Endurance V8 shares its displacement with the previous-generation V8 installed in Titan, that is where the similarities end. The new engine features 390 horsepower (up from 317) and 401 lb-ft of torque (up from 385), along with Nissan's advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake and exhaust sides to provide high performance and crisp response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with a throttle valve, and valve timing and opening with non-variable camshafts.

The new engine also features Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) technology, which provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering precise injection control. An 11.2:1 compression ratio is provided by a new piston design, aiding overall engine efficiency and performance (previous Titan: 9.8:1) and a Multi Control Valve (MCV) assists in managing the engine's thermal efficiency better than a traditional thermostat. 

TITAN XD models equipped with the Endurance V8 engine will be outfitted with a new 7-speed automatic, which features Adaptive Shift Control and Downshift Rev Matching. 

A little history of how Nissan’s  Titan evolved as told by Diane Allen, design manager on the next-generation Nissan TITAN here at Nissan Design America (NDA).

We are part of an international team, receiving regular input from Nissan's global design headquarters and our Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, on everything we create. But for this truck, it was important for much of the aesthetic work to take place in the U.S.

Generally speaking, Nissan recognizes the value of tapping into local expertise to push products that are indigenous to certain regions. Given that most full-size pickup trucks are sold in of the U.S. and Canada, it therefore made sense for this to be an American-led project.

In order to build upon the existing Titan, we explored the roots of the truck's name in Greek mythology. The new "TITAN" logo we've devised resembles the mask of a warrior of antiquity, minus the nose plate.

As for the rest of the vehicle, we quickly determined that the domestic pickup manufacturers own "cowboy," so our look had to be a little different. Being a challenger brand, we have to stand out a bit from the herd with a vehicle that embodies the spirit of hard work and tough jobs, while still demonstrating capability.

Our designers at NDA brought in power tools, truck parts and all kinds of other things for inspiration. Fortunately for us, we already had a great foundation to build on. The original Titan wasn't just a scaled-down Peterbilt, as many of the competitors were back in 2003, but a full-size with its own identity.

But the inherent challenge in designing a pickup truck is pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable without straying too far from the utility and practicality of the segment.

We recognized these qualities in sketches drawn by our talented design team members here at NDA in San Diego. Once the initial sketch was green-lighted, we worked quickly to get this project completed. One of the benefits of this streamlined approach is that TITAN has remained a pure design statement.

Pickups are complex vehicles, and given the variety of different cab configurations, bed lengths, trim levels and, in the case of XD, even frame choices, we had to turn most of our studio over to truck design. With the numerous clay models, inspirational work tools and industrial gear crowding our workspace, NDA really took on the persona of a true "truck studio."

While some might see full-size pickup trucks as a departure for the Nissan, we've tried to honor the form language of our brand, albeit on a bigger scale. We think we've built a truck that's still "Nissan" while also being undeniably full-size.

Expect to pay a minimum of $45,000.00. Available as 2WD or 4WD with diesel or the new gasoline engine. 

Options can easily move the cost higher.

We look forward to driving and comparing the diesel and gas models for a week long test.

BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYNCH

BDADLEY HUBBARD

JB WELKER